Transform the classic ice cream parlor favorite into a showstopping banana split cake recipe that brings all the nostalgic flavors of this beloved dessert into a stunning layered creation. This no-fuss recipe captures everything you love about a traditional banana split – ripe bananas, luscious strawberries, rich chocolate, and creamy filling – but in an elegant cake form that's perfect for serving a crowd.
A Dessert for Every Occasion
Originally inspired by the famous sundae creation of 1904, this banana split cake has evolved into a potluck favorite and celebration staple. Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, birthday party, or just craving something special for family dessert, this versatile treat combines convenience with wow-factor presentation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this banana split cake! It's the perfect blend of fresh and decadent, featuring layers of moist vanilla cake, fresh bananas, and strawberries, all wrapped in clouds of whipped cream and topped with cherries. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, and it actually gets better as it sits in the fridge. Plus, it's completely customizable to your favorite banana split toppings!
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Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Large eggs
- Whole milk
- Pure vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
For the Filling & Toppings:
- Ripe bananas
- Fresh strawberries
- Crushed pineapple (drained)
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate sauce
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Rainbow sprinkles
Pro Tip: Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm - they should be yellow with a few brown spots for the best flavor without being too soft.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Let's break this down into manageable steps to create your perfect banana split cake:
Cake Base Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Prepare 9x13 pan or two 9-inch rounds
- Cream butter and sugar
- Add eggs one at a time
- Alternate dry ingredients and milk
- Pour into prepared pan(s)
- Bake until golden
Filling & Assembly
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks
- Beat cream cheese mixture separately
- Slice bananas and strawberries
- Layer cake with fruits
- Add whipped cream layers
- Chill between layers
Final Decoration
- Top with remaining whipped cream
- Arrange fresh fruit
- Drizzle chocolate sauce
- Add cherries and nuts
- Finish with sprinkles
Hint: To keep your bananas from turning brown in this banana split cake, dip them in a mixture of pineapple juice and lemon juice before layering. They'll stay fresh-looking and get a flavor boost too!
Substitutions
Let's help you adapt this cake to your needs while keeping its classic banana split charm:
Dietary Alternatives
- Heavy cream → Dairy-free whipped topping
- Regular flour → Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- Cream cheese → Dairy-free cream cheese
- Eggs → Egg replacer or flax eggs
- Butter → Plant-based butter
Fruit Options
- Fresh strawberries → Frozen (thawed and drained)
- Maraschino cherries → Fresh cherries
- Pineapple → Extra bananas
- Ripe bananas → Extra strawberries
Variations
Giving the visitor ideas on how they can change this recipe to better suit their dinner
Classic Twists:
- Ice Cream Cake Version: Layer with vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate Lover's: Add chocolate cake layers
- Tropical: Include mango and coconut
- Nutty Delight: Add layers of toasted nuts
Creative Spins:
- Banana Split Trifle
- Cupcake Version
- Sheet Pan Party Size
- Mini Individual Cakes
Pro Tip: Each variation works best with room temperature ingredients and proper chilling time betwee
Equipment
Creating this showstopping dessert requires the right tools. Here's what you'll need:
Essential Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for fruit
- Offset spatula
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Nice-to-Have Tools
- Cake leveler
- Cake stand for serving
- Piping bags and tips
- Serrated knife (if making layers)
- Cake strips for even baking
Storage
Proper storage is crucial for keeping your banana split cake fresh and beautiful:
Short-Term Storage
- Keep refrigerated
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap
- Best eaten within 2-3 days
- Store away from strong-smelling foods
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cake layers can be made 1 day ahead
- Wrap unfrosted layers well
- Prepare fruits just before assembly
- Final assembly best done within 4 hours of serving
Freezing Guidelines
- Not recommended for the fully assembled cake, but you can freeze:
- Add fresh toppings after thawing
- Plain cake layers (up to 1 month)
- Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
My Grnadmom Touch
Every time I make this banana split cake recipe, I think about my grandma's tiny yellow kitchen and how she'd let me help arrange the bananas "just so" on each layer. Her secret? She'd warm the pineapple juice slightly before tossing the sliced bananas in it - "Warm fruit means warm memories, sweetheart," she'd say while showing me how to fan out the banana slices in perfect circles. Now, 30 years later, every time I make her version of banana split cake, that same sweet pineapple scent fills my kitchen, and I catch myself using her gentle circular motions to arrange the fruit, making those warm memories all over again.
Top Tip
Here's a little trick that changed my whole banana split cake game: Instead of just layering the sliced bananas directly onto the cake, give them a quick toss in a mixture of pineapple juice and a splash of lemon juice. This 30-second step not only prevents browning (keeping your cake Instagram-worthy for days!) but also adds this amazing tropical twist to the classic flavor. Plus, the natural acids in the juices help cut through the sweetness, creating that perfect balance that'll have everyone asking for your secret!
FAQ
What is the difference between banana split and upside down banana split?
A traditional banana split features a banana split lengthwise with ice cream and toppings, while an upside down banana split (or banana split cake) transforms these ingredients into cake form with layers. Our banana split cake recipe takes all those beloved flavors – banana, strawberry, chocolate, and cream – and presents them in beautiful, sliceable layers. them here
What is a split cake in baking?
A split cake typically refers to a cake that's been cut horizontally to create layers for filling. In our banana split cake recipe, we create these layers to sandwich fresh fruits, cream, and toppings, mimicking the layers you'd find in the classic ice cream dessert.
What is the flavor of the banana split?
A classic banana split combines vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors with fresh bananas. Our banana split cake recipe honors these traditional flavors while adding cream cheese and whipped cream for extra richness. The combination includes banana, strawberry, pineapple, chocolate, vanilla, and cherry flavors
What country is banana split from?
The banana split was invented in 1904 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Evans Strickler, a 23-year-old apprentice pharmacist. Our banana split cake recipe pays homage to this American classic while making it more convenient to serve to a crowd.
Is banana split good or bad for you?
While a banana split cake is definitely a treat, it does contain nutritious ingredients like fresh bananas (potassium and fiber), strawberries (vitamin C), and nuts (protein and healthy fats). However, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For a healthier version, you can reduce sugar and use lighter cream cheese options.
A Sweet Note Before You Head to the Kitchen...
Hey dessert lovers! Now you've got my favorite banana split cake recipe - the one that's been stealing the show at family gatherings and making regular Thursdays feel like celebrations. It's more than just a pretty cake (though trust me, it's definitely Instagram-worthy!); it's about creating those moments when everyone's eyes light up as you bring it to the table. Whether you're making it for a birthday, potluck, or just because it's been one of those weeks that needs extra sweetness, this cake has a way of turning any occasion into a memory. And when someone asks for the recipe? Well, that's how you know you've nailed it! Don't forget to snap a picture and let me know in the comments how it turned out - I love seeing your beautiful creations!
Rate this recipe and join our dessert-loving family!
Banana Split Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking pan (Or two 9-inch round pans)
- 1 Electric mixer (Stand or hand mixer works)
- 3 Large mixing bowls (For separate mixing of ingredients)
- 1 Offset spatula (For smooth frosting application)
- 1 Whisk (For dry ingredients)
- 1 Rubber spatulag (For folding and scraping)
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons (For accurate measurements)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour - Room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter - Softened
- 4 large eggs - Room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk - Room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - Pure, not imitation
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ traspoon salt
- 4-5 whole ripe bananas - Firm but ripe, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries - Sliced
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple - Drained well
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream - Cold
- 8 ounces cream cheese - Softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 12 whole maraschino cherries
- ½ cup chocolate sauce
- ½ cup chopped nuts - Optional
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Grease and flour your 9x13 pan
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients
- Stir in vanilla extract
- Pour batter into prepared pan
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- 2: Filling Preparation
- In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth
- Add powdered sugar to cream cheese and beat until well combined
- Slice bananas into ½-inch rounds
- Cut strawberries into thin slices
- Drain pineapple thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid
- Step 3 : Assembly
- Once cake is completely cool, spread a thin layer of whipped cream
- Arrange banana slices in a single layer
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries
- Spread crushed pineapple evenly
- Add a thick layer of whipped cream mixture
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes between layers
- Repeat layers until all fruit is used
- Step 4: Final Decoration
- Cover the entire cake with remaining whipped cream
- Drizzle chocolate sauce in a decorative pattern
- Place maraschino cherries evenly across the top
- Sprinkle chopped nuts around the edges (if using)
- Add rainbow sprinkles
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving
Nutrition
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Viola says
Yummyy!!!
Hannah Cooking says
glad you like it darling 😍